Akima
Overview
WAN Architect SME - Remote role at Akima. We are seeking a highly skilled WAN Architect SME to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure in support of the USCIS enterprise network environment. The SME will provide expert-level architectural guidance to modernize and secure USCIS's distributed network systems across data centers, field offices, and cloud environments. This role includes evaluating current WAN architecture, developing future-state designs, supporting cloud connectivity (e.g., AWS, Azure), ensuring compliance with DHS cybersecurity mandates, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior USCIS IT leadership on all WAN-related matters.
Responsibilities
Lead the architectural design, planning, and implementation of WAN infrastructure to support USCIS enterprise systems and field office connectivity. Provide SME-level guidance for routing, switching, MPLS, SD-WAN, VPN, and cross-domain connectivity (on-prem to cloud). Design and support secure, scalable, and highly available WAN architectures that meet mission and performance requirements. Conduct WAN performance analysis, capacity planning, failover analysis, and network optimization. Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and cloud teams to ensure secure and compliant data transmission in accordance with DHS/USCIS policy. Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., SASE, ZTNA, IPv6) and recommend enhancements aligned with modernization and Zero Trust initiatives. Develop and maintain WAN architecture documentation including topology diagrams, design artifacts, SOPs, and standards. Support enterprise initiatives such as cloud migration, telework enablement, application modernization, and disaster recovery planning. Interface with USCIS stakeholders, DHS OCIO, and external carriers to coordinate WAN service delivery, performance SLAs, and issue resolution. Support the development of WAN-related ATO packages, security assessments, and change control documentation. Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship (required for federal contract compliance). Active DHS Public Trust clearance or ability to obtain; Secret/Top Secret preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related discipline (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of experience in network engineering or architecture, with a strong focus on WAN infrastructure. Expert knowledge of WAN technologies and protocols, including: MPLS, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, QoS SD-WAN technologies (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Silver Peak, Meraki, Fortinet) IPsec VPNs, GRE, DMVPN Experience designing and supporting large-scale enterprise or federal WANs. Familiarity with cloud-based networking (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute) and hybrid networking strategies. Deep understanding of network security architecture, encryption, and DHS TIC (Trusted Internet Connections) 3.0 guidelines. Strong communication and documentation skills for both technical and executive-level audiences. Desired Qualifications
Experience supporting DHS, USCIS, or other federal civilian agencies. Professional certifications such as: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Expert (CCIE - Enterprise Infrastructure or Security). Juniper Networks Certified Specialist (JNCIS) or higher. AWS or Azure Networking Specialty Certification. CompTIA Security+, CASP+, or CISSP. Experience with SDN (Software-Defined Networking), network automation, and orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting). Knowledge of ITIL, NIST SP 800-53, RMF, and FISMA compliance processes. Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), SASE, and DHS reference architectures. Job Details
Job ID: 2025-19835 Work Type: On-Site Company: Truestone, an Akima company Location: South Burlington, VT
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Responsibilities
Lead the architectural design, planning, and implementation of WAN infrastructure to support USCIS enterprise systems and field office connectivity. Provide SME-level guidance for routing, switching, MPLS, SD-WAN, VPN, and cross-domain connectivity (on-prem to cloud). Design and support secure, scalable, and highly available WAN architectures that meet mission and performance requirements. Conduct WAN performance analysis, capacity planning, failover analysis, and network optimization. Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and cloud teams to ensure secure and compliant data transmission in accordance with DHS/USCIS policy. Evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., SASE, ZTNA, IPv6) and recommend enhancements aligned with modernization and Zero Trust initiatives. Develop and maintain WAN architecture documentation including topology diagrams, design artifacts, SOPs, and standards. Support enterprise initiatives such as cloud migration, telework enablement, application modernization, and disaster recovery planning. Interface with USCIS stakeholders, DHS OCIO, and external carriers to coordinate WAN service delivery, performance SLAs, and issue resolution. Support the development of WAN-related ATO packages, security assessments, and change control documentation. Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship (required for federal contract compliance). Active DHS Public Trust clearance or ability to obtain; Secret/Top Secret preferred. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related discipline (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of experience in network engineering or architecture, with a strong focus on WAN infrastructure. Expert knowledge of WAN technologies and protocols, including: MPLS, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, QoS SD-WAN technologies (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Silver Peak, Meraki, Fortinet) IPsec VPNs, GRE, DMVPN Experience designing and supporting large-scale enterprise or federal WANs. Familiarity with cloud-based networking (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute) and hybrid networking strategies. Deep understanding of network security architecture, encryption, and DHS TIC (Trusted Internet Connections) 3.0 guidelines. Strong communication and documentation skills for both technical and executive-level audiences. Desired Qualifications
Experience supporting DHS, USCIS, or other federal civilian agencies. Professional certifications such as: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Expert (CCIE - Enterprise Infrastructure or Security). Juniper Networks Certified Specialist (JNCIS) or higher. AWS or Azure Networking Specialty Certification. CompTIA Security+, CASP+, or CISSP. Experience with SDN (Software-Defined Networking), network automation, and orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting). Knowledge of ITIL, NIST SP 800-53, RMF, and FISMA compliance processes. Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), SASE, and DHS reference architectures. Job Details
Job ID: 2025-19835 Work Type: On-Site Company: Truestone, an Akima company Location: South Burlington, VT
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